Appliance with power setting lock feature

ABSTRACT

A cooking appliance with features for locking a surface heating element of the cooking appliance such that a power level of the heating element cannot be adjusted through unintended inputs by a user of the cooking appliance is provided. A method for operating a cooking appliance with a surface heating element also is provided. More particularly, a method is provided that includes features for locking a surface heating element of the cooking appliance such that a power level of the heating element cannot be adjusted through inadvertent inputs by a user of the cooktop appliance. Further, a method for operating an appliance is provided; the method includes features for locking a functionality of the appliance such that a setting of the functionality cannot be adjusted through unintentional inputs by a user of the appliance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to user interface assemblies for appliances, in particular cooking appliances with a surface cooking panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cooktop appliances typically can include a variety of configurations. As an example, cooktop appliances may use a glass and/or ceramic-glass cooking panel for supporting cooking utensils. For such cooktop appliances, the heating sources can include, e.g., radiant, induction, and gas on glass. A variety of controls can be provided for the heating sources such as, e.g., traditional rotatable knobs and/or electronic types that rely on sensitivity to a user's touch. These controls may be provided as part of a user interface assembly for controlling various operations of the cooktop appliance.

In some cooktop appliances, the touch-type controls are positioned near the heating sources, and a user of the cooktop appliance could accidentally change the power level or heat setting of a heating source by moving a cooking utensil, such as, e.g., a pot, pan, or the like, over the controls for the heating source. As an example, when sautéing vegetables or flipping an omelet, the user might slide the cooking utensil over the controls for a heating source and inadvertently set the power level of the heating source to an unintended level. In some configurations, the control for setting a heating source to its highest power level is closest to the heating source, such that it is more likely that the user could unintentionally set the power level to the highest setting. In other configurations, the controls may be positioned on an angled panel at a front of the cooktop appliance, such that the user could unintentionally adjust the power level of one or more heating sources by brushing against the panel. Such inadvertent setting or adjusting of the heating level of the heating sources could be inconvenient and undesirable, as well as potentially unsafe, for the user. Likewise, inadvertent or unintentional setting or adjusting of settings for functionalities of other appliances, such as oven appliances, washing machine appliances, etc., through contact with the controls of the appliance could be inconvenient and undesirable for a user of the appliance.

Accordingly, a method for operating a cooktop appliance with features for locking one or more heating sources of the cooktop appliance such that a power level of the heating sources cannot unintentionally be changed would be beneficial. A cooktop appliance with features for locking one or more heating sources of the cooktop appliance such that a power level of the heating sources cannot unintentionally be changed also would be useful. Moreover, a method for operating an appliance with features for locking one or more functionalities of the appliance such that a setting of the functionalities cannot inadvertently be changed would be advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a cooktop appliance with features for locking a heating element of the cooktop appliance such that a power level of the heating element cannot be adjusted through unintended inputs by a user of the cooktop appliance. A method for operating a cooktop appliance also is provided. More particularly, a method is provided that includes features for locking a heating element of the cooktop appliance such that a power level of the heating element cannot be adjusted through inadvertent inputs by a user of the cooktop appliance. Further, a method for operating an appliance is provided, the method including features for locking a functionality of the appliance such that a setting of the functionality cannot be adjusted through unintentional inputs by a user of the appliance. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a method for operating a cooking appliance is provided. The cooktop appliance includes a plurality of heating elements. The method includes activating a first heating element of the plurality of heating elements; detecting a power level input for the first heating element; and operating the first heating element at a power level based on the power level input. The method also includes determining whether the power level of the first heating element should be locked at the power level based on the power level input and, if so, then locking the first heating element at the power level such that the power level of the first heating element cannot be adjusted, and activating a first indicator to indicate to a user of the cooktop appliance that the first heating element is locked at the power level and cannot be adjusted by the user. The method further includes determining whether the power level of the first heating element should be unlocked and, if so, then unlocking the first heating element such that the power level of the first heating element can be adjusted, and deactivating the first indicator.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a cooking appliance is provided. The cooking appliance includes a cooking panel for supporting a cooking utensil thereon; one or more heating elements for heating the cooking utensil or food items within the cooking utensil; and a user interface assembly including a user interface surface accessible by a user of the cooking appliance. The user interface assembly further including a plurality of control zones, at least one control zone associated with each heating element for controlling a power level of the heating element. The cooking appliance also includes a controller in operative communication with the heating elements and the control zones. The controller is configured for activating a first heating element of the plurality of heating elements; detecting within a first control zone of the plurality of control zones a power level input for the first heating element; and operating the first heating element at a power level based on the power level input. The controller is further configured for determining whether the power level of the first heating element should be locked at the power level based on the power level input and, if so, then locking the first heating element at the power level such that the power level of the first heating element cannot be adjusted, and activating a first indicator to indicate to the user that the first heating element is locked at the power level and cannot be adjusted by the user. The controller also is configured for determining whether the power level of the first heating element should be unlocked and, if so, then unlocking the first heating element such that the power level of the first heating element can be adjusted; and deactivating the first indicator.

In a third exemplary embodiment, a method for operating an appliance is provided. The appliance includes one or more functionalities, and the method includes activating a first functionality of the one or more functionalities; detecting a setting input for the first functionality; operating the first functionality at a setting based on the setting input; and determining whether the setting of the first functionality should be locked at the setting based on the setting input. If so, then the method includes locking the first functionality at the setting such that the setting of the first functionality cannot be adjusted, and activating a first indicator to indicate to a user of the appliance that the first functionality is locked at the setting and cannot be adjusted by the user. The method also includes determining whether the setting of the first functionality should be unlocked and, if so, then unlocking the first functionality such that the setting of the first functionality can be adjusted, and deactivating the first indicator to indicate to a user of the appliance that the first functionality is unlocked and may be adjusted.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a top, perspective view of a cooktop appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides an exploded view of a user interface assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 provides a top view of a first control zone of a user interface assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 provides a chart illustrating a method of operating a cooktop appliance in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 provides a chart illustrating a method of operating a cooktop appliance in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

Use of the same reference numerals in different figures denotes the same or similar features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 provides a top, perspective view of a cooktop or cooking appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Cooktop appliance 100 can be installed in various locations such as in cabinetry in a kitchen, with one or more ovens to form a range appliance, or as a standalone appliance. Thus, as used herein, the term “cooktop appliance” includes grill appliances, stove appliances, range appliances, and other appliances that incorporate cooktops, which are generally known as surface cooking appliances.

Cooktop appliance 100 includes a panel 110 for supporting thereon cooking utensils such as, e.g., pots, pans, or the like. Panel 110 is a transparent material such as, e.g., a glass, ceramic, or combination glass-ceramic material. In some embodiments, panel 110 is substantially clear, and in other embodiments, panel 110 may be a colored transparent material. A plurality of heating sources, such as heating elements 120, are mounted adjacent panel 110 such that, e.g., heating elements 120 are positioned below panel 110 along a vertical direction V (FIG. 2). Heating elements 120 may be part of one or more heating assemblies for providing heat to cooking utensils supported by cooking panel 110 to heat or cook food items within the cooking utensils. More particularly, cooktop 100 includes a first heating element 121, a second heating element 122, a third heating element 123, a fourth heating element 124, and a fifth heating element 125 to provide heat to cooking utensils supported by panel 110. While shown with five heating elements 120 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, cooktop appliance 100 may include any number of heating elements 120 in alternative exemplary embodiments. Heating elements 120 can also have various diameters. For example, each heating element 120 can have a different diameter, the same diameter, or any suitable combination thereof.

Cooktop appliance 100 is provided by way of example only and is not limited to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1. For example, a cooktop appliance having one or more heating assemblies 120 in combination with one or more electric or gas burner heating elements can be provided. In addition, various combinations of number of heating assemblies 120, position of heating assemblies 120, and/or size of heating assemblies 120 can be provided. Moreover, heating assemblies 120 can have a variety of constructions for the input of energy in the form of heat to the cooking utensils. For example, heating assemblies 120 can be constructed as electric radiant, electric induction, or gas-on-glass heating sources. Mechanisms associated with each such type of heating source are positioned under panel 110 and will be well understood of one of skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein.

A user interface assembly 130 provides visual information to a user and allows a user to select various options for the operation of cooktop appliance 100. For example, displayed options can include a desired heating element 120, a desired cooking temperature, and/or other options. In some embodiments, a variety of illuminated text, digits, symbols, and/or other features may be displayed in or on a user interface surface 134 of assembly 130 to convey information to a user. User interface assembly 130 can be any type of input device and can have any configuration. In FIG. 1, a portion of a surface of panel 110 accessible by a user of cooktop 100 comprises user interface surface 134. That is, panel 110 and user interface surface 134 are one continuous, planar surface. In other embodiments, user interface surface 134 may be a separate panel or component positioned within or at least partially surrounded by cooking panel 110. User interface surface 134 may also be a separate panel or component positioned away from cooking panel 110, such as a bezel located across a front edge of cooktop appliance 100.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, user interface assembly 130 includes a plurality of control zones 140, each control zone 140 associated with a heating element 120. That is, user inter face assembly includes a first control zone 141 associated with first heating element 121, a second control zone 142 associated with second heating element 122, a third control zone 143 associated with third heating element 123, a fourth control zone 144 associated with fourth heating element 124, and a fifth control zone 145 associated with fifth heating element 125. In other embodiments, each control zone 140 may be associated with more than one heating element 120. Control zones 140 may include capacitive touch input components 132 that can be used as part of a capacitive touch sensing system and can allow for the selective activation, adjustment or control of any or all heating elements 120 as well as any timer features or other user adjustable inputs. One or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, toggle/rocker switches, and/or touch pads also can be used singularly or in combination with touch input components 132. Control zones 140 are described in more detail below.

User interface assembly 130 also may include a display component (not shown), such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. Moreover, as will be further described herein, user interface assembly 130 may be provided with one or more display devices that deliver certain information to the user such as, e.g., whether a particular heating assembly is activated and the level at which the heating element is set. Other configurations of user interface assembly may be used as well.

Operation of cooktop appliance 100 can be regulated by a controller 136 that is operatively coupled to i.e., in operative communication with, heating elements 120 and components of user interface assembly 130 such as control zones 140. For example, in response to user manipulation of a touch input component 132 within a control zone 140, controller 136 operates one of heating element 120. Controller 136 is also provided with other features. By way of example, controller 136 may include a memory and one or more processing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of appliance 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.

Controller 136 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout cooktop appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, controller 136 is located under user interface surface 134. In other embodiments, controller 136 may be located next to user interface surface 134. Input/output (“I/O”) signals are routed between controller 136 and various operational components of appliance 100 such heating elements 120, control zones 140, touch input components 132, sensors, graphical displays, and/or one or more alarms. In one embodiment, user interface assembly 130 may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. User interface assembly 130 may be in communication with controller 136 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

A user of cooktop appliance 100 may input and receive information regarding the operation of cooktop 100 at user interface surface 134, which can be a portion of panel 110 as previously described. For example, user interface surface 134 may be accessible by the user to input information regarding the operation of cooktop 100 by touching a portion of user interface surface 134, such as, e.g., a control zone 132. A variety of text, digits, and/or symbols may be printed on user interface surface 134 to indicate, e.g., the heat setting of a heating element 120 or the area of user interface surface 134 to touch to input certain information. In alternative embodiments, no text, digits, or symbols may appear in or on user interface surface 134 unless cooktop 100 is in use.

Referring now to FIG. 2, user interface assembly 130 may include a display assembly 160 for receiving inputs from user interface surface 134 and displaying information in or on user interface surface 134. Display assembly 160 may include elements or components for controlling user interface assembly 130 and/or cooktop appliance 100. For example, display assembly 160 may be at least a portion of controller 136.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, display assembly 160 includes a first printed circuit board 162 positioned below user interface surface 134 along the vertical direction V. First printed circuit board 162 may include one or more light sources 164 for illuminating one or more features of user interface assembly 130. Each light source 164 may be, e.g., a light emitting diode (“LED”), an incandescent lamp, or any other appropriate light source. Further, light sources 164 of first printed circuit board 162 need not be the same type, size, or color, e.g., each illuminated feature of user interface assembly 130 may utilize a different type of light source and larger features may utilize multiple light sources to achieve the desired brightness and/or uniformity of brightness.

Display assembly 160 also may include a second printed circuit board 166 positioned above first printed circuit board 162 but below user interface surface 134 along vertical direction V. Second printed circuit board 166 may include a capacitive touch sensing system, whereby cooktop 100 is controlled at least in part through touch inputs on user interface surface 134 by a user of cooktop 100, e.g., through the capacitive touch input components. Second printed circuit board 166 also may include a plurality of apertures 168 for the passage of light from light sources 164 of first printed circuit board 162 to user interface surface 134.

In the illustrated embodiment, light sources 164 are surrounded by hollow, white plastic light guides 165 sandwiched between circuit boards 162 and 166 to direct the light upward from light sources 164 on first printed circuit board 162 to apertures 168 in second printed circuit board 166. In some embodiments, only one printed circuit board may be provided, with the one printed circuit board having the desired components and capabilities previously described with respect to first printed circuit board 162 and second printed circuit board 166. In such a single-board embodiment, light sources 164 may face downwards (that is, away from user interface surface 134). Light guides 165 may be positioned on the side of the circuit board opposite the side facing user interface surface 134 and may be configured to reflect light from light sources 164 such that the light from light sources 164 directed away from user interface surface 134 is reflected back toward the printed circuit board, exiting through apertures in the circuit board to be directed toward user interface surface 134.

As further shown in FIG. 2, a light transmissive layer 150 may be disposed between user interface surface 134 and light source or sources 164. In some embodiments, light transmissive layer 150 is positioned between user interface surface 134 and second printed circuit board 166. In alternative embodiments, light transmissive layer 150 may be disposed between first printed circuit board 162 and second printed circuit board 166.

In some embodiments, light transmissive layer 150 is a light diffusion or diffusive layer, i.e., a diffuser that diffuses the light from light sources 164 to provide uniform illumination of text, digits, graphics, or other features in or on user interface assembly 130. More particularly, diffuser 150 disburses light from light source 164 to provide uniform brightness across the illuminated features of user interface assembly 140 and to broaden the field of view, i.e., to provide wider viewing angles, so the illuminated features are easily readable from off-axis positions. In such embodiments, light transmissive layer or diffuser 150 may be, e.g., a frosted or etched PET, acrylic, or polycarbonate film that is frosted or etched on at least one surface thereof In other embodiments, light transmissive layer 150 is a graphics overlay, masking, or support layer that may be a clear layer of, e.g., a PET, acrylic, or polycarbonate film or other appropriate material for providing various graphics on user interface surface 134 by passing light through layer 150.

A top view of first control zone 141 of the plurality of control zones 140 of user interface assembly 130 is illustrated in FIG. 3, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. First control zone 141 may be associated with first heating element 121 and, thus, may be in operative communication with controller 136 for controlling first heating element 121. More specifically, first control zone 141 may receive one or more inputs from a user of cooktop appliance 100, e.g., through touch input components 132 of first control zone 141. Controller 136 receives the inputs from first control zone 141 and operates first heating element 121 according to the received inputs. As an example, a user may select a power level for first heating element 121 by swiping or tapping with, e.g., a finger along a generally arc-shaped path P. As illustrated, path P traverses an arc from a start point P_(O) at a lower left portion of first control zone 141, toward a midpoint P_(M) at an upper middle portion of zone 141, and then toward a finish point P_(F) a lower right portion of zone 141. Start point P_(O) corresponds to the lowest power level of first heating element 121, midpoint P_(M) corresponds to the median power level of first heating element 121, and finish point P_(F) corresponds to the highest power level of first heating element 121. Various text, graphics, or symbols may be provided within first control zone 141 adjacent to path P to indicate each point P_(O), P_(M), P_(F). For example, the text “Low” may be printed or illuminated adjacent start point P_(O) to indicate to the user where start point P_(O) is located, the text “Med” may be printed or illuminated adjacent midpoint P_(M) to indicate to the user where midpoint P_(M) is located, and the text “High” may be printed or illuminated adjacent finish point P_(F) to indicate to the user where finish point P_(F) is located.

The length of path P over which the user swipes or the location on path P at which the user taps or stops swiping indicates the power level to controller 136, i.e., is the power level input by the user. Controller 136 may then operate first heating element 121 at the selected power level. As further shown in FIG. 3, one or more light sources 164 may be illuminated to indicate to the user the power level the user has input or selected. That is, light sources 164 are activated to illuminate the length of path P over which the user swipes his or her finger or the location along path P at which the user tapped his or her finger to select the power level of first heating element 121. For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, path P is illuminated over its length from start point P_(O) to a selected point P_(S), indicating the power level of first heating element 121 selected by the user of cooktop 100. Textual, graphic, symbolic, or other elements may be provided on user interface surface 134 to indicate to the user where to touch and/or swipe to input operating conditions of first heating element 121.

In alternative embodiments, first control zone 141 may have other configurations. For example, path P may have other shapes or dimensions. Further, incremental control portions 146, 147 may be provided with touch input components 132 such that, e.g., the user may incrementally decrease the power level of first heating element 121 by touching or tapping incremental control portion 146 and may incrementally increase the power level by touching or tapping incremental control portion 147. As illustrated in FIG. 3, incremental control portions 146, 147 may be provided with text, a graphic, or a symbol, such as the illustrated plus “+” and minus “−” signs, to indicate to the user where to touch user interface surface 134 to increase or decrease the power level of heating element 121. Additionally, non-capacitive touch type controls, including a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including such as rotary dials, push buttons, toggle/rocker switches, and/or touch pads, also may be provided in first control zone 141 for controlling first heating element 121.

First control zone 141 may include other control components as well. For example, an activation control portion 148 may be provided to activate first heating element 121. That is, when the user taps or touches activation control portion 148, controller 136 receives or detects an input to activate or turn on first heating element 121. An activation indicator 149 comprising a symbol or graphic illuminated by one or more light sources 164 can be included to indicate to the user that first heating element 121 is activated or on. Thus, when activation indicator 149 is not illuminated, first control zone 141 indicates to the user that first heating element 121 is not activated or is off.

In addition, as further described below, a first indicator 151 also may be provided within first control zone 141 to indicate to the user that first heating element 121 is locked at the power level selected by the user such that the power level cannot be adjusted without first unlocking the heating element. In some embodiments, first indicator 151 is a dedicated component, such as, e.g., an illuminated point or bar, for indicating first heating element 121 is locked at its power level. In other embodiments, first indicator 151 may not be a separate feature or component. For example, first control zone 141 may indicate to the user that first heating element 121 is locked at the selected power level by pulsing or otherwise modulating light sources 164 illuminating path P. As particular examples, light sources 164 illuminating path P may be activated and deactivated sequentially such that the light appears to “race” or “run” along path P, or all light sources 164 illuminating path P together may be repeatedly turned on and off such that the light appears to blink or pulse. Such modulation of light sources 164 can indicate to the user that first heating element 121 is locked at the selected power level. Other indicators or ways of indicating first heating element 121 is locked at the selected power level may be used as well.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a chart is provided illustrating a method 400 for operating cooktop appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Although described below as performed by controller 136, method 400 may be performed in whole or in part by controller 136 or any other suitable device or devices. At step 402, controller 136 activates first heating element 121 based on an input to first control zone 141 by a user of cooktop 100. For example, controller 136 may detect a touch or tap to activation control portion 148 as an input by the user to activate first heating element 121. When first heating element 121 is activated, controller 136 may activate one or more light sources to illuminate activation indicator 149 to indicate that first heating element 121 is activated.

At step 404, a power level input is detected. As an example, controller 136 may detect a swipe or tap along path P by the user or taps within incremental control portions 146, 147 by the user as a power level input. That is, as previously described, the user may swipe or tap within first control zone 141 to select a power level for first heating element 121. Controller 136 detects the power level input selected by the user, and at step 406, controller 136 operates first heating element 121 at the power level selected or input by the user.

At step 408, controller 136 determines whether first heating element 121 should be locked at the selected power level such that the power level of first heating element 121 cannot be adjusted. Controller 136 may determine whether to lock first heating element 121 by detecting a first heating element lock input from the user, i.e., detecting whether the user has selected to lock first heating element 121 at its current power level. The user may select to lock first heating element 121 at its power level, e.g., by holding the user's finger within first control zone 141 for a predetermined amount of time, such as, e.g., three seconds. As an example, if the user swipes a finger along path P to select a power level for first heating element 121, the user may hold the finger at the end of the swipe, e.g., at selected point P_(S) in FIG. 3, for three seconds to deliver the first heating element lock input to first control zone 141. As another example, the first heating element lock input may be a touch of a predetermined amount of time within an incremental control portion 146, 147. The first heating element lock input may be other inputs as well, such as, e.g., other touch inputs, manipulation of another type of control, a voice command, or the like.

If at step 408 controller 136 determines first heating element 121 should not be locked, e.g., if controller 136 has not detected the first heating element lock input, controller 136 continues to detect power level inputs and to operate first heating element 121 at the power level selected by the user. However, if controller 136 determines first heating element 121 should be locked at its power level, i.e., if controller 136 detects first heating element lock input, method 400 also may include step 410 of signaling to the user that the first heating element lock input has been received. That is, if the user selects to lock first heating element 121 at its power level, cooktop 100 may signal to the user that the input has been received, e.g., using any appropriate audible and/or visual signal. By way of example, the signal may be a short series of audible sounds or a short series of blinking lights, e.g., controller 136 may emit two beeps or either of power level indicator 141 or activation indicator 149 may blink twice. In some embodiments, step 410 may be omitted, and method 400 may proceed directly to step 412 if controller 136 determines first heating element 121 should be locked at its power level.

At step 412, controller 136 locks first heating element 121 such that the power level of first heating element 121 cannot be adjusted, e.g., through inadvertent touch inputs to first control zone 141. Thus, when first heating element 121 is locked, if a cooking utensil is slid across first control zone 141, the power level of first heating element 121 will not increase or decrease and/or first heating element 121 will not be deactivated. First heating element 121 may be locked at its power level by any appropriate means, e.g., touch input components 132 may be disabled or otherwise rendered inoperative. Method 400 also may include step 414 of activating first indicator 151. As previously described, first indicator 151 indicates to the user that first heating element 121 is locked at the selected power level. First indicator 151 may have any appropriate configuration for indicating first heating element 121 is locked at its power level. In alternative embodiments, the one or more light sources 164 illuminating path P from P_(O) to P_(S) can signal the user the power level setting is locked by slowly blinking, undulating, or any other variety of pulsations or pattern changes; for instance, the uppermost light source may blink while the rest of the light sources remain solidly on.

At step 416, controller 136 determines whether first heating element 121 should be unlocked such that the power level of first heating element 121 can be adjusted. Controller 136 may determine whether to unlock first heating element 121 by detecting a first heating element unlock input from the user, i.e., detecting whether the user has selected to unlock first heating element 121 after first heating element 121 was locked. The user may select to unlock first heating element 121, e.g., by holding the user's finger within first control zone 141 for a predetermined amount of time, such as, e.g., three seconds. As an example, the user may hold a finger at selected point P_(S) shown in FIG. 3 for three seconds to deliver the first heating element unlock input to first control zone 141. As another example, the first heating element unlock input may be a touch of a predetermined amount of time within an incremental control portion 146, 147. The first heating element unlock input may be other inputs as well, such as, e.g., other touch inputs, manipulation of another type of control, a voice command, or the like.

If at step 416 controller 136 determines first heating element 121 should not be unlocked, e.g., if controller 136 has not detected the first heating element unlock input, controller 136 continues to operate first heating element 121 at the locked power level and to determine whether first heating element 121 should be unlocked. However, if controller 136 determines first heating element 121 should be unlocked, i.e., if controller 136 detects first heating element unlock input, method 400 also may include step 418 of signaling to the user that the first heating element unlock input has been received. That is, if the user inputs or selects to unlock first heating element 121, cooktop 100 may signal to the user that the input has been received, e.g., using any appropriate audible and/or visual signal. By way of example, the signal may be a short series of audible sounds or a short series of blinking lights, e.g., controller 136 may emit two beeps or either of power level indicator 141 or activation indicator 149 may blink twice. In some embodiments, step 418 may be omitted, and method 400 may proceed directly to step 420 if controller 136 determines first heating element 121 should be locked at its power level.

At step 420, controller 136 unlocks first heating element 121 such that the power level of first heating element 121 can be adjusted. Unlocking first heating element 121 may comprise, e.g., enabling or otherwise re-establishing the operation of touch input components 132 of first control zone 141. At step 422, first indicator 151 is deactivated such that first control zone 141 no longer indicates first heating element 121 is locked. Upon completion of step 422, the logic resumes at step 408, determining whether first heating element 121 should be locked at its power level, and continues until first heating element 121 is deactivated.

FIG. 5 provides a chart is provided illustrating a method 500 for operating cooktop appliance 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Although described below as performed by controller 136, method 500 may be performed in whole or in part by controller 136 or any other suitable device or devices. At step 502, controller 136 activates first heating element 121 based on an input to first control zone 141 by a user of cooktop 100. As previously described, in some embodiments, controller 136 may detect a touch or tap to activation control portion 148 as an input by the user to activate first heating element 121. When first heating element 121 is activated, controller 136 also may activate one or more light sources to illuminate activation indicator 149 to indicate that first heating element 121 is activated.

At step 504, a power level input is detected. As an example, controller 136 may detect a swipe or tap along path P or taps within incremental control portions 146, 147 as a power level input by the user. That is, as previously described, the user may swipe or tap within first control zone 141 to select a power level for first heating element 121. Controller 136 detects the power level input selected by the user, and at step 506, controller 136 operates first heating element 121 at the power level selected or input by the user.

At step 508, controller 136 determines whether first heating element 121 should be locked at the selected power level such that the power level of first heating element 121 cannot be adjusted. As described with respect to method 400, controller 136 may determine whether to lock first heating element 121 by detecting a first heating element lock input from the user, i.e., detecting whether the user has selected to lock first heating element 121 at its current power level. The first heating element lock input may be, e.g., the user holding the user's finger within first control zone 141 for a predetermined amount of time, such as, e.g., the user holding his or her finger at selected point P_(s) along path P or at one of incremental control portions 146, 147 for three seconds. The first heating element lock input may be other inputs as well, such as, e.g., other touch inputs, manipulation of another type of control, a voice command, or the like.

If at step 508 controller 136 determines first heating element 121 should not be locked, e.g., if controller 136 has not detected the first heating element lock input, controller 136 continues to detect power level inputs and to operate first heating element 121 at the power level selected by the user. However, if controller 136 determines first heating element 121 should be locked at its power level, i.e., if controller 136 detects first heating element lock input, method 500 also may include step 510 of signaling to the user that the first heating element lock input has been received. That is, if the user selects to lock first heating element 121 at its power level, cooktop 100 may signal to the user that the input has been received, e.g., using any appropriate audible and/or visual signal such as a series of beeps or blinking lights. In some embodiments, step 510 may be omitted, and method 500 may proceed directly to step 512 if controller 136 determines first heating element 121 should be locked at its power level.

At step 512, controller 136 locks first heating element 121 such that the power level of first heating element 121 cannot be adjusted, e.g., through inadvertent touch inputs to first control zone 141. Thus, when first heating element 121 is locked, if a cooking utensil is slid across first control zone 141, the power level of first heating element 121 will not increase or decrease and/or first heating element 121 will not be deactivated. First heating element 121 may be locked at its power level by any appropriate means, e.g., touch input components 132 may be disabled or otherwise rendered inoperative. At step 514, controller 136 starts counting a time t, where time t is the time elapsed since first heating element 121 was locked. Steps 512 and 514 of locking first heating element 121 and beginning to count time t may be performed simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. Method 500 also may include step 516 of activating first indicator 151. As previously described, first indicator 151 indicates to the user that first heating element 121 is locked at the selected power level. First indicator 151 may have any appropriate configuration for indicating first heating element 121 is locked at its power level, e.g., first indicator 151 may be an illuminated feature within first control zone 141 or may be a modulation of light sources 164 illuminating path P.

At step 518, controller 136 determines whether a predetermined lock time interval t_(lock) has elapsed such that first heating element 121 should be automatically unlocked, allowing the power level of first heating element 121 to be adjusted. Controller 136 may determine whether the predetermined lock time interval t_(lock) has elapsed by comparing elapsed time t with predetermined lock time interval t_(lock). That is, first heating element 121 may be locked for a predetermined time interval t_(lock), such as, e.g., five minutes, before being automatically unlocked. If the predetermined lock time interval t_(lock) has not elapsed, i.e., if time t is less than predetermined lock time interval t_(lock), method 500 may proceed to step 520, where controller 136 determines whether a first heating element unlock input has been received. Controller 136 may determine whether a first heating element unlock input has been received by detecting a first heating element unlock input from the user, i.e., detecting whether the user has selected to unlock first heating element 121 after first heating element 121 was locked. The user may select to unlock first heating element 121, e.g., by holding the user's finger within first control zone 141 for a predetermined amount of time, such as, e.g., three seconds. For example, as previously described, the user may hold a finger at selected point P_(S) shown in FIG. 3 for three seconds to deliver the first heating element unlock input to first control zone 141. As another example, the first heating element unlock input may be a touch of a predetermined amount of time within an incremental control portion 146, 147. The first heating element unlock input may be other inputs as well, such as, e.g., other touch inputs, manipulation of another type of control, a voice command, or the like. If controller 136 detects a first heating element unlock input, method 500 also may include step 522 of signaling to the user that the first heating element unlock input has been received. That is, if the user selects to unlock first heating element 121, cooktop 100 may signal to the user that the input has been received, e.g., using any appropriate audible and/or visual signal such as a series of beeps or blinking lights. In some embodiments, step 522 may be omitted, and method 500 may proceed directly to step 524 if controller 136 determines first heating element 121 should be unlocked.

If controller 136 fails to detect a first heating element unlock input at step 520, controller 136 determines first heating element 121 should not be unlocked and continues to operate first heating element 121 at the locked power level and to determine whether first heating element 121 should be unlocked. However, if controller 136 determines first heating element 121 should be unlocked, i.e., if time t is at least equal to predetermined lock time interval t_(lock), such that predetermined lock time interval t_(lock) has elapsed, or if controller 136 detects a first heating element lock input, method 500 proceeds to step 524 and controller 136 unlocks first heating element 121 such that the power level of first heating element 121 can be adjusted. Unlocking first heating element 121 may comprise, e.g., enabling or otherwise re-establishing the operation of touch input components 132 of first control zone 141. At step 526, first indicator 151 is deactivated such that first control zone 141 no longer indicates first heating element 121 is locked. Upon completion of step 526, the logic resumes at step 508, determining whether first heating element 121 should be locked at its power level, and continues until first heating element 121 is deactivated.

Locking first heating element 121 for a predetermined time interval and then automatically unlocking the first heating element 121 may desirably reduce the number of inputs the user must give to control the operation of cooktop 100. Predetermined lock time interval t_(lock) could be selected to allow the user time to perform a cooking operation, such as, e.g., sautéing vegetables, flipping an omelet, or the like, during which the user could inadvertently adjust the power level of first heating element 121, e.g., by unknowingly sliding a cooking utensil across first control zone 141 of user interface surface 134. In some embodiments, cooktop appliance 100 provides features for allowing the user to select predetermined lock time interval t_(lock). In other embodiments, predetermined lock time interval t_(lock) is programmed during the manufacture of cooktop 100 and may not be adjusted by the user.

Although described above with respect to first control zone 141 and first heating element 121, it should be readily understood that the foregoing description of first control zone 141, method 400, and method 500 is applicable to each of the plurality of control zones 140 and heating elements 120. Accordingly, each heating element 120 individually and/or independently may be locked such that the power level of the heating element cannot be adjusted and subsequently unlocked such that the power level can be adjusted. As an example, first heating element 121 can be locked at its power level and second heating element 122 can be locked at its power level while third, fourth, and fifth heating elements 123, 124, 125 remain unlocked such that their power levels can be adjusted and/or third, fourth, and fifth heating elements 123, 124, 125 can be activated or deactivated. Moreover, each heating element 120 individually and/or independently may be locked and unlocked with respect to its power level without the addition of a separate component or control for locking and unlocking each heating element 120.

Further, in alternative embodiments, one control zone 140 may be configured to control more than one heating element 120. Other configurations of user interface assembly 130, which may include controls zones 140, light transmissive layer 150, and display system 160, may be used as well. For example, in addition to or in lieu of features for controlling each heating element 120 individually, separately, or independently, user interface assembly 130 may include a global lock feature, such as global lock portion 138 (FIG. 1) having an associated touch input component 132. When a user touches global lock portion 138, every heating element 120 is locked such that the power level of any activated heating element 120 cannot be adjusted and any heating element 120 that is not activated cannot be activated. Every heating element 120 may then be unlocked by a subsequent touch to global lock portion 138 or heating elements 120 may be unlocked after a predetermined time interval has elapsed.

Global lock portion 138 or the global lock feature also may have other configurations, e.g., the global lock feature may be one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, toggle/rocker switches, and/or touch pads, or the global lock feature may be one or more voice commands or the like. In other embodiments, rather than utilizing global lock portion 138 or a dedicated control component, the global lock feature may be initiated by a certain sequence of touch inputs. For example, if controller 136 detects a touch input to two control zones 140 simultaneously of a predetermined duration, e.g., if controller 136 detects a simultaneous touch input to first control zone 141 and third control zone 143 lasting five seconds, controller 136 may determine all heating elements 120 should be locked such that neither the power level nor the state (i.e., activated or deactivated) of any heating element 120 can be adjusted or changed. Other sequences also may be used to lock and unlock all heating elements 120 simultaneously.

Also, although described with respect to cooking appliance 100, it should be readily understood that user interface assembly 130 including control zones 140 with features for locking and unlocking the operation of a component of the appliance as described herein could be used with any suitable appliance. As one example, cooking appliance 100 may include an oven appliance having one or more heating elements, such as, e.g., a bake heating element, a broil heating element, and a convection heating element, for heating a cooking chamber of the appliance. One or more control zones 140 may be provided with features for locking and unlocking the heating elements of appliance 100, such that the power level of a heating element, or a temperature for the cooking chamber, selected by the user cannot be adjusted when the heating element or elements are locked.

When used with other appliances, such as, e.g., washing machine appliances, dryer appliances, and/or refrigerator appliances, the features described herein could be used to prevent inadvertent or unintended manipulation of any operation or functionality requiring an input from a user of the appliance to activate and/or adjust the operation or functionality. For example, a method for operating the appliance could include activating a first functionality of one or more functionalities of the appliance based on an input to a control zone by a user of the appliance. Then, a setting input for the first functionality selected or input by the user is detected, and the first functionality is operated at the setting selected or input by the user. Next, a control component of the appliance, or any other appropriate component, may determine whether the first functionality should be locked at the selected setting such that the setting cannot be adjusted. For example, the control component may detect a lock input from the user, i.e., may detect whether the user has selected to lock the first functionality at its current setting, e.g., by holding the user's finger within the control zone for a predetermined amount of time or by interacting with the appliance by other means, such as other touch inputs, manipulation of another type of control, a voice command, or the like. If it is determined that the first functionality should not be locked, the control component may continue to detect setting inputs and to operate the first functionality at the setting selected by the user. However, if it is determined that the first functionality should be locked at its setting, the first functionality is locked such that its setting cannot be adjusted, e.g., through inadvertent touch inputs to the control zone. An indicator may be activated to indicate to the user that the first functionality is locked at the setting and cannot be adjusted by the user.

Then, the control component may determine whether the first functionality should be unlocked such that the its setting can be adjusted. The control component may determine whether to unlock the first functionality by detecting an unlock input from the user, i.e., detecting whether the user has selected to unlock the first functionality after the first functionality was locked, e.g., by holding the user's finger within the control zone for a predetermined amount of time or by any other appropriate input. If the control component determines the first functionality should not be unlocked, the first functionality continues to be operated at the locked setting, and the control component continues to determine whether the first functionality should be unlocked. However, if the control component determines the first functionality should be unlocked, the first functionality is unlocked such that its setting can be adjusted. Unlocking the first functionality may comprise, e.g., enabling or otherwise re-establishing the operation of touch input components of the control zone. Moreover, the indicator may be deactivated such that the control zone no longer indicates the first functionality is locked. The method may continue by returning to the step of determining whether the first functionality should be locked at the setting selected by the user, and the method continues until the first functionality is deactivated. Similar methods or steps may be used for other functionalities.

Further, it should be readily understood that, in appliances other than cooking appliance 100, panel 110 may be constructed of glass, ceramics, plastics, and/or combinations thereof. Suitable plastic materials may include acrylics, polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), or the like. In some embodiments, user interface assembly 130 is incorporated into or may form the control panel of an appliance; for example, user interface assembly 130 may be incorporated into a backsplash of a washing machine or dryer appliance. The foregoing method may be particularly useful when user interface assembly 130 is positioned such that it would be possible to receive inadvertent inputs by a user to various settings of the appliance; the method may assist in preventing unintended operation of the appliance.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 

1. A method for operating a cooking appliance, the cooking appliance having a plurality of heating elements, the method comprising: activating a first heating element of the plurality of heating elements; detecting a power level input for the first heating element; operating the first heating element at a power level based on the power level input; determining whether the first heating element should be locked at the power level when it is determined the first heating element should be locked at the power level: locking the first heating element at the power level such that the power level of the first heating element cannot he adjusted, activating a first indicator to indicate to a user of the cooking appliance that the first heating element is locked at the power level and cannot be adjusted by the user, determining whether the power level of the first heating element should be unlocked and when it is determined the first heating element should be unlocked: unlocking the first heating element such that the power level of the first heating element can be adjusted, and deactivating the first indicator to indicate to the user of the cooking appliance that the first heating element is unlocked and may be adjusted.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the first heating element should be locked at the power level comprises detecting a first heating element lock input.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first heating element lock input is detected within a first control zone, the first control zone associated with the first heating element.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first indicator is provided within a first control zone, the first control zone associated with the first heating element.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the first heating element should be unlocked comprises detecting a first heating element unlock input.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first heating element unlock input is detected within a first control zone, associated with the first heating element.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein locking the first heating element at the power level further comprises starting to count a time t, and wherein determining whether the first heating element should he unlocked comprises comparing time t to a predetermined lock time interval t_(lock), to determine if the predetermined lock time interval t_(lock) has elapsed and, if so, then unlocking the first heating element.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the first heating element should be locked at the power level comprises detecting a first heating element lock input and determining whether the first heating element should be unlocked comprises detecting a first heating element unlock input, and wherein the power level input, the first heating element lock input, and the first heating element unlock input are detected within a first control zone, the first control zone associated with the first heating element.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first heating element lock input is a touch input by the user to the first control zone for a predetermined amount of time, and wherein the first heating element unlock input is a touch input by the user to the first control zone for a predetermined amount of time.
 10. A cooking appliance, comprising: a cooking panel for supporting a cooking utensil thereon; a plurality of heating elements disposed adjacent the cooking panel for heating the cooking utensil or food items placed within the cooking utensil; a user interface assembly including a user interface surface accessible by a user of the cooking appliance, the user interface assembly further including a plurality of control zones, each of the plurality of control zones associated with one of the plurality of heating elements for controlling a power level of the heating element; and a controller in operative communication with the plurality of heating elements and the plurality of control zones, the controller configured for activating a first heating element of the plurality of heating elements; detecting within a first control zone of the plurality of control zones a power level input for the first heating element, the first control zone associated with the first heating element; operating the first heating element at a power level based on the power level input; determining whether the first heating element should be locked at the power level based on a first heat element lock input to the first control zone and when it is determined the first heating element should be locked at the power level: locking the first heating element at the power level such that the power level of the first heating element cannot be adjusted, activating a first indicator to indicate to the user that the first heating element is locked at the power level and cannot be adjusted by the user, determining whether the power level of the first heating element should be unlocked based on a first heating element unlock input to the first control zone and when it is determined the first heating element should be unlocked; unlocking the first heating element such that the power level of the first heating element can be adjusted, and deactivating the first indicator. 11-14. (canceled)
 15. The cooking appliance of claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured for starting to count a time t when the controller locks the first heating element at the power level, and wherein the controller is further configured for determining whether the first heating element should he unlocked by comparing time t to a predetermined lock time interval t_(lock) to determine if the predetermined lock time interval t_(lock) has elapsed and, if so, then unlocking the first heating element.
 16. The cooking appliance of claim 10, wherein the first control zone includes a path along which the user swipes or taps a finger to select the power level of the first heating element.
 17. The cooking appliance of claim 16, wherein the user interface assembly further comprises a plurality of light sources, and wherein at least one of the plurality of light sources is activated to illuminate a length of the path over which the user swipes or taps the finger to indicate the power level input for the first heating element.
 18. The cooking appliance of claim 17, wherein the controller activates the first indicator by pulsing or modulating the plurality of light sources to indicate to the user that the first heating element is locked at the power level and cannot be adjusted by the user.
 19. The cooking appliance of claim 10, wherein the first heating element lock input is a touch input by the user to the first control zone for a predetermined amount of time, and wherein the first heating element unlock input is a touch input by the user to the first control zone for a predetermined amount of time.
 20. A method for operating an appliance, the appliance having one or more functionalities, the method comprising: activating a first functionality of the one or more functionalities; detecting a setting input for the first functionality; operating the first functionality at a setting based on the setting input; determining whether the setting of the first functionality should be locked at the setting when it is determined the first functionality should be locked at the setting: locking the first functionality at the setting such that the setting of the first functionality cannot be adjusted, and activating a first indicator to indicate to a user of the appliance that the first functionality is locked at the setting and cannot he adjusted by the user; determining whether the setting of the first functionality should be unlocked and when it is determined the first functionality should be unlocked; unlocking the first functionality such that the setting of the first functionality can be adjusted, and deactivating the first indicator to indicate to the user of the appliance that the first functionality is unlocked and may be adjusted.
 21. The cooking appliance of claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured for activating a second heating element of the plurality of heating elements; detecting within a second control zone of the plurality of control zones a power level input for the second heating element, the second control zone associated with the second heating element; operating the second heating element at a second power level based on the power level input for the second heating element; determining whether the second heating element should be locked at the second power level based on a second heat element lock input to the second control zone and when it is determined the second heating element should be locked at the second power level: locking the second heating element at the second power level such that the power level of the second heating element cannot be adjusted, activating a second indicator to indicate to the user that the second heating element is locked at the second power level and cannot be adjusted by the user, determining whether the power level of the second heating element should be unlocked based on a second heating element unlock input to the second control zone and when it is determined the second heating element should be unlocked: unlocking the second heating element such that the power level of the second heating element can be adjusted, and deactivating the second indicator.
 22. The cooking appliance of claim 10, further comprising signaling to the user that the first heating element lock input has been received and signaling to the user that the first heating element unlock input has been received.
 23. The cooking appliance of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured for locking each of the plurality of heating elements independently.
 24. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the first heating element is locked independently of the other heating elements of the plurality of heating elements. 